Community News
Seniors Fair – Friday, September 12

Join us for a special event celebrating and supporting our senior community in a beautiful garden setting! Browse a variety of local vendors and connect with valuable community resources. The Seniors Fair takes place on Friday, September 12th between 10 am and 3 pm at Cedar Valley Memorial Gardens, 2347 Cedar Road. Everyone is welcome to this FREE community event featuring: *Free hearing tests and health services, *Door Prizes, and *Light refreshment. For more information, please call 250-722-2244.

Memory Connections

Memory Connections offers two programs for people experiencing memory loss. Memory Café Victoria offers activities focusing on the arts, music and recreational activities for persons living with memory loss and their care partners. Our activities improve well-being and quality of life by focusing on imagination and creativity. Team Pivot is a social and recreational program for people living with Young Onset Dementia (before age 65). We provide a physically active and supportive environment, with interactive activities geared towards the specific interests and needs of those with young-onset memory loss. The weekly gathering includes lunch and physical activities. Contact us for more information.

Brain Health, Community and Fun

Playing and learning a musical instrument with others has a well-established link to improving brain function and mental health. Sunflower Music School was founded in Victoria by Arkady Futerman, an educator with over two decades of teaching experience. The school offers private and group instruction tailored to the interests of its learners, with an emphasis on supporting older adults. They host lessons out of their Fernwood studio and also offer in-home lessons for your convenience. Call or visit their website to book your session now, or connect with them for a free consultation.

Regular Eye Exams Matter

When was the last time you had your eyes checked? Regular eye exams are about much more than just getting a new glasses prescription—they’re a vital part of your overall health routine. Whether you’ve had perfect eyesight your whole life or you already wear corrective lenses, consistent eye care can protect your vision and catch early signs of issues you might not even notice yet. Reasons to schedule an eye exam include: *Early detection of eye diseases is critical, *Your vision needs change with age, and *Gives a clearer look at your overall health. Book your eye exam appointment today.

Maintain Independence & Mobility

Maintaining independence and spending time outdoors are both vital for psychological well-being, contributing to a sense of engagement with life and overall happiness. Exposure to nature can reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance cognitive functions like attention and memory. Independence fosters self-esteem, autonomy, and a sense of control over one’s life, all of which positively impact mental health. If you have mobility limitations, mobility aids can help you maintain independence. Sidney Scooter offers mobility solutions tailored to your needs and budget. Visit them today for rentals, new and used equipment, and repair services.

Accessibility Solutions

As you age, it may become more difficult to stay in your home due to mobility issues and other disabilities. Thankfully, there are options available that can make it possible to stay in your home as long as possible. Thoughtful renovations and custom modifications can make your home totally accessible again. Stairs are often the first hurdle. These can be conquered by the addition of a stairlift, home elevator or platform lift. Other additions may include handrails, grab bars, or wheel chair ramps. Renovations may include doorway widening and wheel-in showers. We can help; our expertise is providing accessibility solutions!

A Fresh Start, Made Simple

Moving or downsizing can feel overwhelming; with the right help, it can also be a positive new chapter. Whether you’re downsizing, moving closer to family, or planning for future needs, Kent McFadyen will make the process smooth and stress-free. Kent is a Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®) trained to support adults 50+ through every step of buying, selling, or relocating. SRES® agents are REALTORS® with extra training to guide older adults and their families through real estate decisions with care and understanding. Kent brings both knowledge and compassion to every move. Contact Kent today for your FREE consultation to discuss what would work best for you.

Unlock Cashflow in Retirement

Are you retired and looking for a smarter way to boost your cash flow? Thousands of Canadians 55+ are using the CHIP Reverse Mortgage by HomeEquity Bank to unlock their home equity, tax-free. Whether it’s covering health care costs, renovating to age in place, supplementing income, or handling unplanned expenses, CHIP offers flexibility with no monthly payments required. You can access funds as a lump sum or in installments and even consolidate debt. Want to see how others are living retirement on their terms? Contact me to learn more.

Profile: Aranya Home Care

Aranya Home Care offers customized home care in Greater Victoria. They are dedicated to providing exceptional care and support for seniors, allowing them to maintain independence and to age gracefully in the comfort of their own homes. Their customized services include • Personal Care, • Companionship, • Light Housekeeping, • Meal Preparation, • 24 Hour/Respite
Care, • Pre and Post Hospital Care and more. In addition, they offer wellness support, activities and reliable transportation and escorts for medical appointments. For them, Care is Love at HOME. Contact them today for additional information and a free consultation.

Caregiver Support Groups

SSNVI hosts a monthly opportunity for caregivers to meet in a friendly, supportive environment where they can interact with, receive, and give support to other caregivers. Currently, these groups are held in Comox. Groups are held on the first Tuesday, and second Thursday of each month from 1-3, and the last Wednesday of each month from 10:30 – 12:30. If you are interested or want to learn more about the groups please contact the office by email [email protected] or by phone at 250-871-5940.

Raising Awareness About Dementia

This month, the SSNVI encourages all community members—especially seniors and those who care for them—to deepen their understanding of Alzheimer’s, other forms of dementia, and the profound impact they have on individuals and families.
Seniors are at the heart of this conversation. Whether you’re living with dementia yourself or support someone who is, your experiences matter. While World Alzheimer’s Month is the month of September, the realities of living with dementia continue every day for many older Canadians. That’s why we encourage you to carry this awareness forward all year long.
Understanding what seniors living with forms of dementia face—their challenges, strengths, and daily experiences—helps break down stigma and builds a more compassionate and informed society. It also supports stronger advocacy for healthcare, policy change, and community support for aging populations.
Building awareness is the first step in honouring the dignity, rights, and lives of seniors living with dementia. Here are three things you can do this month;
1. Learn about the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer’s at alzeheimer.ca
2. Learn more about dementia and stigma. Miscommunication is the cause of stigma. Learn about communication, strategies, and safety at ilivewithdementia.ca
3. Share what you have learned with others. Talk to your friends and family about dementia and the stigma that is attached to the diagnosis.